All of my most-anticipated video games of the previous yr have, sadly, let me down. South of Midnight, whereas a masterclass in storytelling, struggled to nail its action-focused fight, and Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 was neither the sequel I needed nor a very good motion RPG. After I look to the long run, Fable definitely has potential, however its radio silence is fairly regarding, and Phantom Blade Zero nonetheless would not have an official launch date. Soulframe is the sport that I am hoping breaks my streak of dangerous luck, and provided that it is simply hit a significant milestone, I am beginning to get excited.
As somebody who’s attended the final three TennoCons, I’ve seen Soulframe go from what felt like a largely barebones open world to a full-fledged motion MMORPG. Whereas I did not gel with Digital Extremes’ preliminary gameplay design (it seems lots of people did not), the sport has continued to develop over time, reworking right into a soulslite expertise whose world oozes magic, thriller, and magnificence.
Whereas Preludes has been rumbling away within the background, including swathes of recent content material together with contemporary weaponry, twisting Fables, and character customization, at present Soulframe launches its Founders program, mirroring Warframe’s initiative from 2012. It is a “huge step,” to cite artistic director Geoff Crookes, and one which feels prefer it’s kickstarting the street to launch.
Just like Warframe’s Founders program, you can select from 4 totally different choices throughout two tiers. Every Wyld pack grants entry to its eponymous Pact (or class tree), so combat-focused gamers will need to align with Tethren, whereas Sirin is ideal for filthy glass cannon assassins like me, and Oscelda is geared toward magic customers. You will get a singular major and sidearm dependant upon the character you select, in addition to a talisman, a brand new search for your spirit information, Moonsteel Threads (these grant you the flexibility to transmog), Figments (for dying armor), and Arcs, the sport’s premium forex.
There’s one tier above these, aptly named Paragon, which presents the entire above alongside a singular greatsword and talisman, and – maybe my favourite – the chance to plant your individual flower within the Eternium Gardens. The crew confirmed off this beautiful, ethereal grove in a latest press livestream, and it is completely stunning.
There are merch bundles related to every tier, too, with Paragon getting its personal t-shirt. I, nonetheless, want that Sphere sword for my Warframe – the inexperienced will go completely with my Nyx Prime.
Soulframe’s Wyld Tethren, Sirin, and Oscelda packs retail for $29.99 / £24.99 every, whereas the Wyld Paragon pack prices $99.99 / £84.99. Whereas the latter is definitely geared toward excessive spenders, given that every pack grants entry to the sport itself, and Preludes codes you can share with your mates, I might argue that is not a foul deal. You possibly can choose up your Founders pack right here.
It is price noting that, if issues work equally to Warframe, the beauty rewards will possible be restricted version, so if you would like them, now’s the time to get them.
Additonally, if I put my tinfoil hat on, Warframe’s Founders program ran for just below a yr earlier than launch, so whereas that is not affirmation of the Soulframe launch date, it does recommend we would not be left ready that for much longer.
Along with Founders, Preludes 12 has arrived. The spotlight is, after all, the greatsword, which supplies fighter-oriented Envoys a heavier weapon to work with. The sport’s sub-bosses (now known as Agari) have additionally acquired some boosts, and the sport lastly has quick journey, which is music to my ears. Plus, Baldur’s Gate 3 and Expedition 33’s Jennifer English has joined the sport’s forged. You possibly can try the complete breakdown right here.
All in all, it seems like Soulframe is working as much as one thing. Maybe it is a beta, maybe it is the complete launch: we’ll have to attend and see. If you happen to’re in search of me, nonetheless, you may discover me within the Nightfold – it is slowly however certainly turning into my house away from house.
